Understanding (and Respecting) International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
There are nearly half a billion Indigenous people worldwide. They speak more than half of the world’s 7,000 languages and represent more than 5,000 unique, vibrant cultures. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is a globally recognized opportunity to promote and protect the rights, cultures, and lands of Indigenous people and their communities.
Indigenous Peoples are also known as Native, First, and Aboriginal Peoples. They form culturally distinct societies that share rich ties to their ancestral lands, which form the foundation of their culture, spiritual beliefs, and personal identities.
Many Indigenous Peoples’ cultures stretch back thousands of years, providing them with unique perspectives and knowledge invaluable to their societies and the global community. Indigenous Peoples often have distinct languages, cultures, religions, and political systems.
